Shaft seal system

Abstract

A shaft seal system for watercrafts, where a seal from the system may be replaced while the watercraft is in water. The invention comprises two seals, one at each end of a cylindrical member having cooling and lubrication means. Water enters an entry port and circulates throughout camera channels within the cylindrical member and around a shaft which drives the watercraft propeller. The water then exits an exit port. The cylindrical member has a removable ring at one end, which keeps the first seal pressed in place. When the first seal deteriorates and needs to be replaced, the exit port water line is disconnected to determine if the second seal is in satisfactory condition. If the second seal is preventing water from entering the camera area, said ring is removed. A replacement seal already upon the shaft is slid in place, and said ring is re-secured. If the second seal is not in good condition but only a small amount of water enters, the replacement of the first seal may still take place.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A shaft seal system rotably mounted on a propeller shaft for a watercraft hull comprising: 
       A) a cylindrical member with first and second ends, said cylindrical member housing a first shaft seal, said first shaft seal retained within said cylindrical member adjacent to said first end, said second end having a peripheral flange; and  
       B) a removable ring comprising a plurality of semi-rings cooperatively fastened to each other to house a second shaft seal within, said removable ring having cooperative dimensions to fastenly secure to said peripheral flange, wherein said second shaft seal may be replaced with a new shaft seal rotably mounted on said propeller shaft while said watercraft is in a body of water without the intrusion of water inside a hull.  
     
     
       2. The shaft seal system set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said shaft seal system further comprises means for cooling and lubricating said shaft seal system and said propeller shaft. 
     
     
       3. The shaft seal system set forth in  claim 2 , wherein said cooling and lubricating means comprise a bearing with third and fourth ends, housed within said cylindrical member at a first predetermined distance from said first end, extending a second predetermined distance towards said second end without reaching said second end, said bearing comprising a plurality of channels to allow water to circulate between said first and second shaft seals and around said propeller shaft, said bearing having an entry port to allow said water to flow in and an exit port to allow said water to flow out of said bearing. 
     
     
       4. The shaft seal system set forth in  claim 3 , wherein said water flows to said entry port from a water pump and to an exhaust system from said exit port. 
     
     
       5. The shaft seal system set forth in  claim 4 , wherein a seal fits between said removable ring and said flange. 
     
     
       6. The shaft seal system set forth in  claim 5 , wherein said cylindrical member is threaded a third predetermined distance from said first end towards said second end without reaching said second end. 
     
     
       7. The shaft seal system set forth in  claim 6 , wherein a hose from said watercraft is clamped to said cylindrical member where threaded to secure said shaft seal system on said propeller shaft. 
     
     
       8. The shaft seal system set forth in  claim 7 , wherein said second shaft seal may be replaced with a nylon flex pack when said new shaft seal is not available. 
     
     
       9. The shaft seal system set forth in  claim 7 , wherein said second shaft seal may be replaced with a rubber pack when said new shaft seal is not available.